Dolphin Guard Paralyzed in Crash

Miami Dolphin guard Randy Wheeler will have surgery today for spinal injuries suffered in a one-car crash that left him paralyzed, according to his doctor in Miami.

Wheeler, 23, is a quadriplegic with some movement and sensation in his right arm and hand, said Dr. Barth Green, the co-founder of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis who is treating Wheeler.

The 315-pound Dolphin lineman was paralyzed in the Monday crash while he was driving from his home in Hartsville, S.C., to Davie, Fla., for the start of training camp. His sport-utility vehicle slid off Interstate 95, overturned and hit a tree.

In other Dolphin training camp news, promising rookie receiver Larry Shannon tore a ligament in his right knee and likely will be sidelined for the season.

The Dolphins are interested in signing free-agent receiver Randal Hill to replace him.

*

Shaun Williams, the UCLA safety who was taken with the 24th pick in the NFL draft, reached agreement on a multiyear contract with the New York Giants. Terms were not disclosed, but the agreement reportedly will pay the former Bruin $4.4 million over four years, including a $2-million signing bonus.

*

The Minnesota Vikings and Cris Carter agreed to a four-year contract extension that will pay him a reported $23.5 million. Carter, 32, had one year left on his contract before the extension.

*

The Oakland Raiders added depth to their backfield by signing running back Erric Pegram, who gained 1,185 yards for Atlanta in 1993, to a one-year contract.

“It’s a good signing for us,� Coach Jon Gruden said. “He’s a versatile back. He’s been a good pass receiver and a good runner, and he’s really a good pickup guy in terms of blitzes. He gives us depth.�

*

Receiver Mikhael Ricks, the San Diego Chargers’ second-round draft pick, agreed to a four-year contract worth approximately $1.93 million.

*

Four Japanese players who have played in NFL Europe will become the first from their country to participate in NFL training camps this week. Linebacker Masafumi Kawaguchi and running back Tamon Nakamura will sign 10-day contracts today with the Green Bay Packers. Tight end Nachi Abe and wide receiver Masato Itai will practice with the Kansas City Chiefs. The teams will play in Tokyo on Aug. 1.

*

Tyrone Poole, a starter at cornerback for the Carolina Panthers, was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for an undisclosed future draft pick. . . . Ed Simmons, the last active member of the Washington Redskins’ “Hogs� offensive line, retired one day before he was due to report to training camp with the St. Louis Rams. . . . The Philadelphia Eagles claimed running back Aaron Hayden off waivers from Green Bay.